Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. March 22, 2023. (Department of Financial Services)
While the field of Republicans vying to succeed Matt Gaetz in Florida’s 1st Congressional District grew Monday, that race might effectively be over now that President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in the contest.
“Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the Great State of Florida, has done a tremendous job as CFO, where he also serves as the State’s Fire Marshall [sic], and as an important member of the Florida Cabinet. I hear that Jimmy is now considering launching a Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District!” Trump wrote Monday morning on his Truth Social page. “Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
A few hours later, Patronis, who was not in the race as of earlier in the day, responded in the affirmative.
“Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump. I am here to serve,” Patronis wrote on X.
At least 8 other Republicans had announced their candidacies for the seat encompassing Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties, as well as a portion of Walton County in the Northwestern part of the state. Republican fighter pilot and management consultant Jeff Witt entered the race Monday morning.
But at least two of them — state Rep. Michelle Salzman and former Green Beret John Frankman— announced Monday that they were dropping out after Trump endorsed Patronis.
“Politics is an ever-changing chessboard,” Salzman wrote on X. “Our first priority as elected officials should be our constituents. If we put them first, we all win! Jimmy has been endorsed by the leader of our party and that should be enough for us to get behind him. Congratulations @JimmyPatronis.”
“After prayerful consideration, I am announcing I will be withdrawing from the race for FL1 and joining President Trump in endorsing @JimmyPatronis,” Frankman said on X. “Jimmy will be a steadfast warrior for conservative values, and I will do whatever I can to help him win. I’m not backing down from the fight for the Trump agenda and will continue to serve the country I love. Stay tuned!”
Navarre Republican state Rep. Joel Rudman has not responded to an inquiry about whether he plans to continue his campaign for the seat.
Panhandle native
Patronis has served as Florida’s CFO since 2017, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott. He won a four-year term when he defeated Democrat Jeremy Ring in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022 when he defeated Democrat Adam Hattersley. A native of Panama City, Patronis served in the Florida House from 2006-2014.
Patronis’ departure gives Gov. Ron DeSantis another opportunity to appoint a Republican to serve over the next years. He will soon have to announce a replacement for U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who will have to resign after being nominated to serve as Trump’s secretary of state.
Sarasota County Republican Joe Gruters has previously announced that he would run for CFO in 2026, when Patronis would be term-limited out of running again. Gruters made it known on Monday that whether he’s appointed by DeSantis now or runs for the seat two years from now, he’s already been endorsed by Trump for the position.
“Whether via appointment or at the ballot box in 2026, I look forward to running for CFO as President Trump’s endorsed candidate. President Trump’s resounding victory is a mandate for change in this country and I will never stop fighting to Make America Great Again! #OTV2026 @realDonaldTrump.”
Special election
According to the notice that Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd released on Friday, Monday is the deadline for candidates to submit their notices to resign to run for the congressional seat if they hold another political office right now. Under state law, sitting officials must resign their current post to run for another office, if that office’s term coincides with their existing position.
Gaetz held the CD-1 seat from 2016 until 12 days ago, when he announced he was resigning immediately following his nomination by Trump for secretary of state. Gaetz withdrew from consideration for that position after it became apparent that he would have trouble getting confirmed. Trump then nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to be his new choice as A.G.
Meanwhile, Trump this weekend endorsed Florida state Sen. Randy Fine in the expected race to replace Michael Waltz in Florida’s 6th Congressional District sometime in 2025. Fine has not officially announced his candidacy for that seat but is expected to soon.
Trump has picked Waltz to serve as national security adviser, although he has yet to resign from office. Once he does, Byrd will have to announce primary and general election dates for that seat but, just as in the CD-1 race, the CD-6 contest may be all over now that Trump has weighed in there.
“A Harvard Educated, Successful Businessman, and Highly Respected State Legislator, Randy has been an incredible Voice for MAGA, and the Great People of Florida. In Congress, Randy will be an INCREDIBLE Fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Stop Inflation, Grow our Economy, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Restore PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social page on Saturday. “Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!”
Last week, Byrd announced the two election dates for the Congressional District 1 race. The Republican primary will take place on Jan. 28 and the general election will be on April 1.